Reviews (559)

Thalanee · 22 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Another wonderfully written chapter... Having Manwe destroy several of the fire demons serves good to remind us, just how much older and more powerful he really is. Deriving Angainor from the chains Melkor himself made is poetic justice, if there ever was any (I borrowed that expression from EI 1, it certainly fits here) I really wanted to hug poor Manwe when he saw what his brother had become... what both Manwe and Melkor say during the trial shows perfectly that the former does not comprehend evil (as si said in the Sil) and that the latter will not repent. Having Namo stand up for Vaire and the Children was wonderful. I really hope there will be at least one chapter following this: Wars of the Valar is my favourite among your stories (all Namo´s fault ;-) ) Greetings, Thalanee

Larner · 22 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

It is too bad that he chose such an existence. Perhaps he was the greatest at first, but he does not appreciate just how much he has spent of himself, reaching for what is not his to have. Alas, for he grows less and not greater as a result.

Independence1776 · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Reading this chapter was very, very difficult, for the simple fact that we know what happens. I understand that it was mercy and hope that led the Valar to imprison Melkor, but it's hard to see it practised for someone who is Evil. "There was absolute silence for the longest time as everyone alternated between staring at the space where the demons had been and casting surreptitious looks of awe and amazement at Manwë, who ignored them all. 'Well, shall we get on with it?' he asked no one in particular, his tone quiet and matter-of-fact." *blinks and laughs* Well, it's about time. Pity he couldn't do that earlier. "Melkor is going to regret ever having made this." Truth. But I would not like to be Námo and Vairë at this point. Aulë examined the stonework with professional interest, the granite pillars upholding the ceiling unadorned but solidly built. 'He may be evil, but he knows how to build things to last,' he muttered with a tone of approval that made more than one of his companions stifle a laugh." That's Aulë for you... But it's a pity this particular fortress will survive. "'Oh, Brother, Manwë whispered, shock mingled with pity rising within him, 'what hast thou wrought in thyself?'" And I feel nothing but pity for the Elder King. "Manwë thought for a moment before nodding and addressing Eönwë. 'Have the Máyar pile a hill of stones over Utumno to ensure that whatever may lurk in the shadows cannot escape to trouble the world. Do the same with Angamando.'" Yet another decision I fail to comprehend. If they knew that there were too many places for evil things to hide, why didn't they do more? Sometimes, the Valar seem incrediably shortsighted. "The doom of the one may well dictate the doom of the other." *nods* You of all the Valar may have an idea, but still... "Námo stared at Melkor for a long moment, then shook his head. 'He’s not worth the effort,' he muttered before moving away to find Vairë." No, he isn't. A perfect showing of the inherant honor the Valar have. "Melkor stared at them in shock, though a deep hunger began to gnaw at him and an inchoate desire rose within him, a desire that he kept carefully hidden as he lay before his brother’s feet." *moans* "Ah... I see my two favorite... playthings have finally become espoused. I must say, Little One, it took thee long enough, but I suppose being damaged goods...." And this is part of why I truly fail to comprehend the Valar's mercy. "Should not whatever punishment we devise be for his correction and rehabilitation so that he might repent of his crimes against us and Atar?" Just and merciful- and this is the only possible explanation that I can even try to understand. "'I still believe they were never meant for the Firstborn, save that Atar allowed him' — he pointed imperiously at Melkor — 'to do what he did.'" But the question will become: how much did Morgoth cause Fëanor to act as he did and if the latter's actions would have been the same or have similar results if Morgoth hadn't been released, given the Valar cannot interfere with free will. "I can create a chamber from which none can escape, not even one of the Ayanumuz." And there will be similar chambers being created in the future... "Melkor only glared at his brother [. . .]." That should have been all the information they needed to know he wouldn't. You did a wonderful job expanding the brief passages available. (Yes, I admit I'm geeky enough that I went and read the little bit available in Morgoth's Ring to see what you did with it.) I find it awe-inspiring that you manage to work with the timelines, contradictions in HoME, and all the information available into a coherant storyline, here and in EI.

Earlinde · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

WOW! This was fantastic! Finally that you-know-what Melkor got what's coming to him! Well sort of. And I have to give my main man... Ayanuz, Namo credit because if I had been the one that damaged goods comment had been directed at, my foot would've made his face damaged goods! And while I do love Manwe he needs to just give it up. MELKOR IS EVIL! But that's what happens when you've got someone who can't fully understand evil. *sigh* I happen to be with Aule on this one. Lock him up and throw away the key. Everyone know time outs don't really work! Not for Melkor anyways. It would've saved a whole lot of trouble later on. I'm suprised Varda didn't have more to say on the issue. Pity I was rather looking forward to that. *grins* Great Job, but you hardly need me telling you that.*wink* P.S. Maybe you can settle a bet for me. Are Manwe and Melkor twins or just normal brothers. And what do you think is the birth order for the Ayanumuz? Thanks in advance! Earlinde

Sunny · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Hmmm. Manwe fries the balrogs with his lightning. No mean feat that, since they were demons of _fire_! And Anglachel, when Aulë now unveils it, turns out to be something that Melkor himself had made originally – but now improved. I am sure Melkor would gnash his teeth at Aulë’s description of it as “crude”. But then geology, metallurgy and materials science is his turf, and I am sure Melkor’s encroachment upon it added a certain zest to Aulë’s studies and improvement project. Given Námo’s previous encounter with the thing, no wonder seeing it again gives him a turn. It was rather amusing in an otherwise grim chapter to see Aulë’s approving attitude at the construction details in Utumno. While he can’t approve of the place’s general purpose, he is able to find a certain pleasure in good stonework. And Yavanna didn’t press to discover Melkor’s biolabs and sterilize them down to the least, most insignificant virus? Considering her reaction to the dragon in the previous chapter I am somewhat surprised at that. Bioscience is _her_ turf, and that was evidently a particularly nasty example of Melkor's meddling there. So the balrogs and Melkor’s chief flunkies were not found. Considering how much damage they did down through the ages, I am sure the Valar regretted not hunting them down at that time. But then, hindsight is ever perfect – even for the Valar, I suppose ;-) So the Valar pulled back to Aman, save for those who were guarding the Children, the last in order to protect them from possible retaliation from Melkor’s flunkies. There may also have been a desire to limit the damage to the planet behind the retreat, even though you did not mention this in this chapter. Who _knows_ what sort of side effects the warfare of the Powers would have had? The Valar would try to do the least damage that was consistent with their goal of destroying Utumno and Angband. The other side would not have restrained themselves in such a manner. Melkor still regards himself as the greatest of them all, even when he has bled away so much of his substance that he has become a mere shell – to the other Valar, at least. And what substance he has left seems to consist mostly of malice and spite. Which Manwë can’t – or won’t – see, though the other Valar are less gullible. And Námo – who begged not to be one of Melkor’s guards on the way back to Aman – will now become his jailer for the next three ages. Which may be a necessary job, but I am also quite sure it is one he will detest. Though we all know he will do the job he has been given.

6336 · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 54: The Trial of the Fallen

Uh Oh, Manwe, should have listened to Ulmo and Namo and flooded both Utumno and Angband, would have saved a lot of bother later on! I do feel sorry for Namo and his maya having to guard Melkor for three ages, pity they did not 'void' him right off! Oh well now to get busy and clean up M.E. and go check on the Children. More please, Lynda

Nieriel Raina · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Interesting chapter. I like that they used the asteroids to break into Utumno. Very nice! I do have a problem with the reasoning behind the prototype dragon, though it's your story and I have no problem with it in general; just the reasoning behind it. :p While I can accept the reasoning that Glaurung may have been the first dragon the elves came across, my problem lies in the fact Glaurung and those first wyrms did not fly, and to me, the way the Silm reads is as Morgoth perfected from there. Flying drakes don't come along for a while after Glaurung, and with the way the Silm words the evolution of the dragon, I conclude Morgoth was still tinkering and perfecting even then. The 'prototype' described here is pretty perfected as the typical dragon (in fact, I could easily picture Smaug from this description - the typical flying, armored, fire-breathing drakes), so I can't imagine Morgoth would revert from this to such dragons as Glaurung that crawl on their bellies and seem weaker by comparison. It seems a step backwards, IMO. Still, overall a very interesting chapter. I look forward to seeing Melkor taken and the trial.

Kitty · 15 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Sorry, Fiondil, have been barely at home over the last days and fallen behind in reviewing quite a bit! Oh, good, the problem Aulë is solved. It’s better for him to give Melkor and his troops a headache instead of hiding from Námo – much more fun ;) Um ... "I think you two are having more fun than any Ayanuz should be allowed to have." Are at least your readers allowed to have as much fun? Because I think that was a great idea, to use the remains of the planet Melkor destroyed to destroy his own troops in turn. Poetic justice, indeed! :D Another fun part were the ideas of the Máyar building the canal. I can just see that, lined with marble and vessels floating on it! *snicker* So that was how Melkor occupied himself during the long siege – creating the dragon version 1.0? Glad the Máyar destroyed that monster before it caused even more harm – I am so sorry for the ones it burned! Very satisfying end to the chapter! There’s nothing better than watching Melkor and his people being beaten. Now it can’t take too long until he gets caught :)

Independence1776 · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

"Aulë! If I have to level this entire range of hills to find you I will. Now stop sulking and show yourself." *snickers* Wonderful plan! And poetic justice indeed. Those Maiar building the canal... *shakes head while smiling* Oh, dear. Dragon prototype. Your explanation for its presence makes sense. Few things are perfect the first time around. "Some of them chuckled at their brother’s levity, but Manwë noticed that Námo was not one of them. Indeed, the Doomsman of Arda’s expression was grim beyond telling and Manwë wondered what he might be seeing at that moment. He started to ask but on reflection he decided that he really did not want to know." Somehow, I get the feeling it may involve events of the First Age... Hmm... wonder what lasting effects the deviation caused. Glad they're still thinking of the Children, not that they ever really stopped. ~ Indy

Sitara · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

I should say that you have my have my utmost respect for the amount and the quality of the research you've done in writing this veritable epos. The way you've surprised and written down such a plethora of both cosmic and earthly phenomena is taking my breath away every time I read a new chapter of this story. Within this one, to see the second law of termodynamics so beautifully thought and enounced by Aule, it was truly a delight for me. I noticed once again the brilliance of Namo's war strategy and his extremely well chosen means to end a long time siege. A force to be reckoned with, this particular Vala has become. For perhaps only Manwe's responsibilities would be greater than his. And Namo's more than somber expression at the thought that Melkor's doom is at hand shows us if anything that the gift of foresight could be labeled only as excruciating painful. His doom..not yet, is it? Not until after an unending ocean of blood and tears would be spent, not until other creatures, pure and perfect, would become like him. "wiping off heavy tears" A dragon..the newest creation of Melkor. But my question is what or who was once again used for this purpose? What creature was twisted by Melkor, once the most fair and full of Light and Song of all the Ainur? What was the reason for Yavanna's anger? I pity Aule. At the degree that a Vala can be pitied, of course. "smile". Three betrayals from the ones who cared for, one more painful than other, without counting Melkor's, which would be the fourth one . A Vala, two powerful Maiar and the greatest Elda. "deep sigh" Maybe he's asking himself now that he perhaps did something to drive Aulendil from him. As far as I know, your saga is quite unique with such a topic and I'm waiting eagerly for more because, you see, the title of your story intrigued me from the beginning. It's the "wars" , not the "war" and perhaps...please, at least let me hope, I beg of you!

Larner · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Beautiful justice wreaked as we see the Valar doing their best against Melkor and Aulendil. The embarrassment of Aule was well done, as well as the reassurance offered him; and loved the use of Namo and Vaire's planet's remains to open up the fortress and force Melkor out into the open. As for the canal--brilliant! And it appears perhaps Atar might have interfered slightly, for reasons of His own. Now, to watch the final capture and trial!

Rhyselle · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Wonderful way to break a seige! I admit that I've been thinking rather Arda-bound so the idea that they used the remnants of Namo and Vaire's world to smash into Melkor's lair was a nice surprise. I have no problems with the prototype dragon at all. In order for the later ones to have been so awfully effective, Melkor must have had a lot of failures to begin with. I feel bad for the Mayar who got burned. Having been severely burned when I was in my early 20s, I just cringed at the thought of what they were experiencing. But Irmo and Este will get them well again. Excellent chapter! I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next as the Valar move towards the conclusion of this first War against Melkor. Although I'll be sad to see it end too. You've created a masterpiece in this story and I think that it's the best of your long pieces. Well done!

Sunny · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Ironic, that Melkor himself created the ammunition used to break Utumno The Mayar on ditch-digging detail were evidently having _way_ too much fun. Details of the boats their masters might use to sail it, and plans to line it with mable … *rolls eyes* Did they pick aa particular _colour_ for the marble, too, or perhaps decide to make a special sort of marble just for this project? Oh well … it was a method to relieve stress, I suppose. A dragon – already! But it really makes sense that such an ambitious bioengineering project would have taken more time than the scant handful of centuries available in the First Age – and I suppose Utumno would also have better facilities for that sort of thing, too. Angband wasn’t more than an outpost for Melkor’s _real_ base, after all (And who knows what other sort of horrors Melkor might have cooked up in his labs? We know about Orcs – but what else might have been in development?...) No wonder Yavanna is pissed at Melkor. And a look at his labs would make her more pissed still, I think. Small nitpick: a string of variable. Shouldn’t it be _variables_?

ArianneG · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Oh YES! Beautifully executed battle plans always make me happy. I was laughing at the idea of Ulmo taking a pleasure cruise down that canal--and perhaps knocking on the gates of Angamando? The idea of using asteroids and floods is awesome. But why do I think that those 3 degrees of deviation are rather important somehow?

Thalanee · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 53: Forces of Nature

Aule and Orome giving Namo advice on how to be a good spouse,Namo and Varda teaming up against Melkor and arguing over which celestial object would be best suited to hit his fortress with, the Mayar discussing which sorts of boats to build for their masters... the students sitting next to me probably think me crazy for laughing like that! Thank Heaven I wasn´t drinking anything or my keyboard would have been a mess ;-) In the course of the last chapters it was easy to forget, that the Valar are not constrained to Earth. I wonder what Namo was seeing... but I guess we will see soon enough I´m already looking forward to the next chapter (as always... and to the first meeting of the Valar and our three future elven kings, though that is still far off, I guess) Greetings, Thalanee

Tari · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

I really liked Irmo's words of wisdom to Namo. What we all go thru in life will hopefull strengthen us and make us better. Namo certainly is growing in strenght and wisdom. Those poor Maiar. He certainly scared them for a bit. Holding a straight face had to be a bit difficult. I probably would have started to giggle.

Larner · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

The best laid plans of mice and men and all that.... Interesting to see the strategies in play, and the use Melkor perhaps unwittingly makes of memories of horror to unman his opponents. But they are more flexible, and thus will win in the end--as long as they can endure the longer, of course.

Independence1776 · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

So orcs don't come to Mandos... Yes, I have to agree with Námo- they are no longer among the Children. But that's something Tolkien never quite figured out so, the best we're left with is guesses and extrapolations. And the thought that Morgoth imbued all of the world with his evil... I can't imagine what the Valar think about it. They couldn't stop him, and they can't stop the taint. It must be heartbreaking that after their hard work in preparing for the Children, they couldn't keep Melkor from marring it permanently. Orcish awareness is certaintly a interesting sentient versus sapient discussion, as the ones in the Hobbit and LotR certainly act of free will at times and thus can't just be sentient, but if they don't have souls... This is giving me a headache, so I think I'll stop while I'm ahead. "'He’s not learned the lessons of warfare we have garnered over the long ages,' Varda had said at one point. 'It seems his own fixations do not allow for innovation.' 'Which should work in our favor,' Manwë had commented. 'It is a flaw we need to exploit.'" And that is the smartest way to win the war. Poor Námo. But a flashback only makes sense here. It was just at one of the worst times for it to occur. I hope Melkor doesn't try to take advantage of it. I think his Maiar recieved the message loud and clear. Now for Aulë... ~ Indy

ellie · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

"You are who you are because of what happened to you. Accept that and embrace it and learn from it." Profound words indeed! You never cease to amaze, educate, and inspire.

Kitty · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

Really, I can’t wait for Melkor to get his comeuppance and all his nasty troops with him. It’s mind-boggling to think how long this war has already lasted. Speaking of his troops - so even Námo doesn't know what becomes of the orcs after they die? Pity - I'd be interested in your take on that. Well, Aulë’s roar of frustration was understandable, I think, as was the reaction of Námo’s Mayar. Their remorse might be unnecessary, but they mean it honest, and I take it as a sign of their love for Námo. Glad Námo recovered relatively fast from this unpleasant incident. And it’s a nice change that this time Aulë is hiding, not Námo ;)

Sitara · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

To my endless shame, I'm going to do now something I never thought I'd be capable to do: to review a chapter of a story without reading the previous ones. "hides face". Anyway, ceasing my useless whining, I'll say what I've seen at first sight. A good job regarding the description of the battle. Aule's unstoppable fury (I'll take a guess: his former Chief Maia, the one who betrayed him, was Sauron perhaps?), the fierceness and determination of the Maiar, Melkor's strategy and Namo's battle plans are very good depicted, as it was Namo's moment of breakdown caused by that Balrog's attack. And I suppose this would mark the moment when Lord of Mandos just became my favourite Vala. "grin" This and his fierce determination to protect the Elves at any cost. (You know, reading this, I'm beginning to feel less worried about some of my favourite characters "relieved smile") Beyond the heartbreaking story of the Elves tortured and twisted by Melkor , a new question is issued and have to be answered and it concerns the orcs. Well, I think a little patience is in order in this matter. I have also to notice the truth of Irmo's words: one could not be the same after a traumatic experience. It could be only better or worse. It's one's choice to make, albeit not an easy one. Thank you very much for remainding me. It was very much needed. With all my blessings. Sitara

Thalanee · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 52: The Siege of Utumno

Sorry I didn´t review for so long, my Internet didn´t work, so for some time I was virtually cut off from the world ;-) It seems poor Aule is going to get a talking to from Namo...I´m sure it´s going to be at least as impressive as the one Maranwe received. So we still don´t know what happened to the fea of those elves corrupted and twisted by Melkor, only that they propably returned to their Creator. Will we be told sometime in your story or is this going to remain a mystery? I´m already looking forward to the next chapter! greetings Thalanee

Tari · 5 January 2009 · Chapter 51: Tulwi Ainuron Etelelyar

I LOVE the Marching Song. The march itself must have been something to behold. Too bad they couldn't capture that skulking coward Melkor, but I know the time is not right as yet. Eru knows what he is up to. He should realize that. He will lose in the end.

Bob · 5 January 2009 · Chapter 51: Tulwi Ainuron Etelelyar

Oh please tell me this is not the end. I love the way the characters have grown since last I read. I would like to hear more about Namo's judgement, and Melkor being chained with angainor. I am hoping to see more chapters .......... BEST STORY EVER....other than the original by Tolkien of courseVALAR

Independence1776 · 1 January 2009 · Chapter 51: Tulwi Ainuron Etelelyar

Over the past couple of days, I reread this in its entirety. The characters evolve wonderfully, and so subtly that it's hard to believe they were ever that immature. Námo, in particular, has overcome so much and is definitely maturing into the Vala we all love. "'The fastest way is across this land bridge to the north,' Ulmo said, pointing to the globe." Oh, the dark irony of the Valar using it... "We must give Melkor what he desires most: a chance to show off even more than we." Let the enemy be overconfident, especially when you know it's one of his weaknesses. Very sound strategy. "We will be the bastion that offers the Children their best protection." Wonderful way to phrase their duty! "That is what this war is about. It is not about taking revenge; it’s about seeking justice." True, but it's very, very hard to keep revenge out of it. Love the sigil of the Valar. "'Raise the standard, Maranwë,' he commanded and the Máya unfurled the standard, black with a sigil of the Two Trees wrought in silver and gold." *grins* "Námo’s grin was feral. 'He forgot one thing.' 'What was that?' It was Vairë though who answered. 'He forgot that we don’t need protection. We never did. Atar was always with us even in the darkest of times.'" *smiles* This exchange is one of my favorites in this story. "Melkor, who had not led his troops but had remained in the rear, allowing Aulendil to take the vanguard, looked upon Námo and quailed before his nemesis and was the first to flee the field, rushing towards Utumno." *laughs joyously* Just like Melkor to be afraid of the one he thought he had dominated but was never able to. "Manwë stared at them both with grave sympathy. 'No. For the Children.'" He knew! I knew it. And now a part of me really wants to know the "new" tune. Wonderful translation! ~ Indy